Freshwater fisheries are an important part of healthy aquatic ecosystems, fulfilling important ecological roles and supporting the wellbeing and livelihoods of millions of people worldwide. However, freshwater fisheries are under threat from habitat destruction, pollution, overfishing, and climate change, and fisheries governance often carries forward inequitable legacies of colonialism. Furthermore, current management focus on species-specific management without consideration of broader freshwater socio-ecological dynamics has limited our ability to secure flourishing freshwater fisheries. To address the challenges of ecological complexity, injustice, and governance fragmentation, a transdisciplinary approach that incorporates ecological, social, and cultural perspectives is necessary.
The Fish Futures research programme (www.fishfutures.co.nz) aims to transform freshwater fish management in Aotearoa through the co-development of new knowledge with Māori. Recognising that values play a key role in shaping people’s (sometimes divergent) aspirations for freshwater ecosystems and human communities, we are working toward fostering a shared understanding, respect and reconciliation of different values for fishes. Our approach is being applied in three place-based studies with local Iwi partners and through a national working group which engages fish governance entities. Co-designed studies of social values, justice issues, and place-based ecological dynamics are helping us understand how freshwater fish and fisheries can be enhanced and effectively managed in response to future climate change pressures. Grounding in the here and now, while drawing lessons from the past, will allow us to reimagine alternative futures for freshwater management and importantly, how those futures can be created.